2025 Christmas Carol at Aso Rock: Obasanjo Makes First State House Appearance Since Tinubu Assumed Office
Divine Kristien
The Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Sunday hosted the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, an annual Christmas programme organised by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the theme “Emmanuel: God With Us.” The event attracted a broad spectrum of Nigeria’s political, traditional and religious leadership, underscoring its significance as a moment of national reflection and unity. Notably, former President Olusegun Obasanjo attended the service, marking his first appearance at a State House function since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office. He was joined by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.).
Also present were senior government officials, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. The gathering further featured prominent traditional rulers such as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III; and the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, alongside religious leaders, including Prelate Oliver Aba of the Methodist Church of Nigeria.
The programme featured traditional scripture readings and hymns, with General Gowon and Chief Obasanjo delivering opening lessons from the Book of Genesis, while the First Lady read the concluding lesson from John 1:1–14. A mass choir led the congregation in carols, as clerics offered prayers for national unity, peace and collective responsibility, particularly in the face of prevailing economic and security challenges. As Nigeria approaches Christmas, the service reinforced themes of faith, reconciliation and service to the nation, with the presence of former President Obasanjo widely viewed as symbolically significant.
Divine Kristien